Product Development Intern

Winland Foods, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Summer internship program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Winland Foods, Inc. in Oak Brook, IL is offering a Summer Internship in Research, Development & Innovation as a Product Development Intern. The role combines remote work on Mondays and Fridays with in-office collaboration Tue–Thu at 2015 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL.

The paid internship runs May–August 2027 at $27.50 per hour, with a one-time expense allowance. You will apply food science principles to projects, gain exposure to packaging formats, and work with experienced professionals on

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Food Science or related field.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in new product development and packaging tests.
• Support R&D projects with data collection and analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives.

Skills

Food science

Teamwork

Presentation

Project management

Education

Pursuing B.S. in Food Science

Job description

Winland Foods, Inc., based in Oak Brook, IL, is a global manufacturer of private label and branded foods for retail and co-pack customers. We use only the finest ingredients and ensure every product we make meets the highest standards of taste, quality and accessibility. Across all our food categories, we offer customers a range of premium and value solutions to meet the evolving needs of the consumers. We work closely with our customers to offer consumer-loved brands and custom private label products, and also create new innovative products. We specialize in pasta, sauces, syrups, dressings, jams and jellies, pie fillings, pita chips, dry dinners, dry baking ingredients, and more. We are proud to share we have manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, and Italy.

Employee Type: Full time Location: IL Oak Brook Job Type: Administration Job Posting Title: Product Development Intern Job Description:

Schedule: (Hybrid) Monday and Friday are remote, while Tuesday-Thursday are in office Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523 Salary: $27.50 per hour, with an additional one-time lump sum payment to support expenses Duration: May to August 2027 - Summer Internship

Job Summary:

As an Intern/Coop in Research, Development & Innovation, you will have the unique opportunity to apply Food science principles to meet project objectives. Our team has deep technical expertise across a variety of packaging formats.

You can expect a combination of:

• Stimulating projects
• Exposure to industry experts
• On-the-job learning alongside experienced professionals
• Continuous development opportunities, and much more

As an intern/coop, you will work independently and as part of various teams, working toward goals on project assignments with guidance provided as needed with the intent of offering opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare the intern/coop for a career as a Packaging Engineer after graduation.

Examples of Projects:

• New product development
• concept/prototype work
• Cost savings initiatives
• Optimization, quality improvements, material substitutions
• Product renovation which involves modifying existing product attributes to address operational issues or customer needs
• Ingredient exploration in testing out new options that could improve product performance or improved functionality

In addition to hands-on experience in Finance, this position will provide the intern with:

• Skills in project leadership, project management, time management and organizational skills
• Understanding the function of ingredients within a formula
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment in understanding the impact of process conditions and controls.
• Presentation skills as you present your findings to the cross functional team and R&D Leadership Team
• Experience in team collaboration as you work with a cross-functional team on delivering project objectives.
• This includes building skills in assessing how each role impacts the commercialization of a product and influencing and negotiating to align the team.

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we're passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table. That means: Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain. Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us. People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We're a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you'll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.

Explore Opportunities

At Winland Foods, you'll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development-roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we're shaping the future of food.